Etymology

The origins of Lahore's name are unclear. Lahore's name had been recorded by early Muslim historians as Lōhar, Lōhār, and Rahwar.[24]Al-Biruni referred to the city as Lohāwar in his 11th century work, Qanun,[24] while the poet
Amir Khusrow, who lived during the
Delhi Sultanate, recorded the city's name as Lāhanūr.[25] Medieval
Rajput sources recorded the city's name as Lavkot.[25]

One theory suggests that Lahore’s name is a corruption of the word Ravāwar, as R to L shifts are common in languages derived from
Sanskrit.[26]Ravāwar is the simplified pronunciation of the name Iravatyāwar - a name possibly derived from the
Ravi River, known as the
Iravati River in the Vedas.[26][27] Another theory suggests the city's name may derive from the word Lohar, meaning "blacksmith."[28]

According to Hindu tradition,[29] Lahore's name derives from Lavpur or Lavapuri ("City of Lava"),[30] and is said to have been founded by Prince Lava,[31] the son of
Sita and
Rama. The same account attributes the founding of nearby
Kasur by his twin brother Prince
Kusha,[32] Historic record shows, however, that Kasur was founded by
Pashtun migrants in 1525.[33]